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Federal Judge Enjoins Key Provisions of Florida's Voter Registration Law As Unconstitutional
Practices
Paul, Weiss and its pro bono partners obtained a landmark victory for their clients the League of Women Voters of Florida, Rock the Vote, and the Florida Public Interest Research Group, when Judge Robert Hinkle of the Northern District of Florida permanently enjoined key provisions of an onerous state law restricting voter registration.
Judge Hinkle found that several aspects of Florida's law likely violated the voter registration organizations' rights under the First Amendment and the National Voter Registration Act. Among the provisions enjoined are a requirement that community groups submit completed voter registration applications to state officials within exactly 48 hours or face potential fines and penalties and a requirement that volunteers sign an intimidating and inaccurate sworn statement form before asking to collect anyone's voter registration application. Due to the burdens and risks imposed by the law, our clients and others had ceased, or severely curtailed, their voter registration activity throughout Florida.
The Paul, Weiss team included, among others, litigation partner Robert A. Atkins and counsel Farrah R. Berse, associates Zachary A. Dietert, Matthew R. Huppert, and Lindsey M. Weinstock. The Brennan Center for Justice, the ACLU Foundation of Florida and Florida-based law firm Coffey Burlington served as co-counsel.